As the novices set out on their year of discernment, we celebrate one friar's completion of that year as he makes his first profession of vows, while another six men take their first steps on the journey of brotherhood in Postulancy.

On July 23, 2017, three of our brothers, Paul Rahn, Mike Herlihey and Collin Kourtz (above) made their transitions from "Postulancy" to their Novitiate year with the Investiture ceremony held in Santa Ynez. After a year at our Padre Pio Friary in Philadelphia where they began their discernment of the Lord's call to our Capuchin brotherhood, the three men headed to Santa Inex, CA, to join the other Provinces of the NAPCC (North American and Pacific Capuchin Conference) for the more intense discernement that takes place as "novices." The year began with their "Investiture," as Brs. Paul, Mike and Collin were dressed in the habit of the Order: our Capuchin brown tunic tied with a cord with three knots and marked by the distinctive, elongated hood ("capuccio").

On Saturday, June 3, our brothers Al Carver, OFM Cap., Jonathan Ulrich,OFM Cap., and James Watson, OFM Cap. (left, with the bishop)were ordained to the priesthood by Bishop David Zubic of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA. This step in their lives follow their years of formation in our Capuchin Franciscan way of life, and years of study in theology and ministry in Washington, DC. Ms. Jess Wabler, a friend of Br. Al, served as cantor, along with friar Bob Herrick, OFM Cap., who coordinates the music ministry all of our Provincial liturgies.

The news has spread and been celebrated throughout the web that our brother Solanus Casey, OFM Cap., is headed for his beatification this fall in Detroit, MI. While no date has been set, Crux news journalist John Allen named Solanus the 'American Padre Pio.' Of course, Fr. Solanus could be the first United States-born male to be beatified. It depends on the date. Another American-born Venerable, Fr. Stanley Rother, the great contemporary hero martyred in Guatemala, is set to be beatified on September 23 in Oklahoma City, OK - ironically, September 23 is the feast of another Capuchin saint: Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

Fr. Solanus, a member of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, headquartered in Detroit, MI, have been working for the cause of our brother Solanus since his death in 1957. There is a website devoted to the beatified-elect as well as this beautiful video/tour/explanation of the Solanus Center built in his honor and for the edification of our simple, yet astounding, hero . . .

Our brother, Fr. DeSales Young, OFM Cap., made his transitus to the Lord on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Vincentian de Marillac in Pittsburgh, PA. At 96, DeSales was the "Senior friar" of our Province - a distinction for which, among many distinctions, he was both grateful and proud.

Born July 15, 1920, and named Arthur Francis, Jr., at his baptism, the future Capuchin was the second of six children born to Arthur and Lenora (Lippold) Young in Cumberland, MD. The Youngs were active members of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish there and friends to many of the friars of Ss. Peter & Paul "Monastery," one of the earliest established fraternities of our St. Augustine Province. The Young family would have two sons who would become Capuchin friars.